Collapsible central support device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding and collapsing a tent, a gazebo, or tent-like structure. In particular, the present invention provides a central support device for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/301,889, filed Feb. 5, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding and collapsing a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure. In particular, the present invention provides a central support device for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background art is directed to collapsible frames utilized in erecting temporary structures for use in the out-of-doors. The typical frame apparatus is employed in combination with, for example, a canopy as a temporary shelter, or as a frame for a tent to serve various functions in the outdoors. The outdoor venue in which the frame apparatus of is typically utilized varies widely. The outdoor venue can be a campsite for hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, a roadside camping facility for recreational vehicles, an outdoor market, a barbecue grill located at a city park, the beach, a patio, in the back yard of one's own residence, or any other outdoor activity. Many of the collapsible frames of the prior art involve complicated linkages and/or are difficult to manipulate.

Conventional tent or gazebo structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,254,601, U.S. Pat. No. 1,853,367, U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,518, U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,656, U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,676, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,253, U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,001, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,188, U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,883, U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,223, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,780, U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,112, U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,439, U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,812, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,348; all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein the interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length, a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to the upper hub and extending radially from the upper hub, and a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to the lower hub and extending radially from the lower hub, wherein one end of each of the under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of the top rods at a fixed position along the length of the top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure. In some embodiments, the collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo. In some embodiments, the assembly is connected to additional support elements through the top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a support rod extending vertically from the bottom of the lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to extend in height. In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to extend from the ground to the lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a structural support assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein the interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length, a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to the upper hub and extending radially from the upper hub, wherein the top rods are connected to additional support structures, a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to the lower hub and extending radially from the lower hub, wherein one end of each of the under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of the top rods at a fixed position along the length of the top rods, and a support rod attached to the bottom of the lower hub, wherein the support rod is configured to be extendable from the lower hub to the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and detailed description is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are included by way of example and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in the open conformation.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in a partially closed conformation.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the center support assembly in the extended conformation.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the center support assembly in the contracted conformation.

FIG. 5 shows the tent assembly with the upper tent assembly in the open conformation and the center support assembly in the extended conformation. The lower hub bolt of the upper tent assembly and the center support nut of the center support assembly are engaged.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment for assembling an exemplary gazebo structure in eight steps.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment for dis-assembling an exemplary gazebo structure in 4 steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, embodiments of the present invention comprises a tent assembly 100 comprising an upper tent assembly 101 and a center support assembly 102. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 comprises both the upper tent assembly 101 and center support assembly 102. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 comprises an upper tent assembly 101. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 comprises a center support assembly 102.

In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 (SEE FIGS. 1 and 2) comprises a lower hub 1 and upper hub 2 connected by an interhub rod assembly 3. The interhub rod assembly 3 comprises an outer rod 3A and an inner rod 3B, having an smaller diameter than the outer rod 3A and slidingly disposed within a channel in outer rod 3A. The upper hub provides a meeting point for a plurality of top rods 4 which extend out from the upper hub 2 and form the top of the upper tent assembly 101. The lower hub 1 provides a meeting point for a plurality of under rods 5 which extend out from the lower hub 1. Each under rod 5 engages a top rod 4 at a rod connector 13.

In some embodiments, the lower hub 1 comprises a plurality of lower hub hinges 6 for engaging the under rods 5 at the lower hub hinge acceptor 5C of the under rods 5. The lower hub 1 also provides a flange 7 and flange clip 8 for securing the interhub rod assembly 3 when the upper tent assembly is in the condensed configuration, in which the inner rod 3B is completely engulfed by the outer rod 3A. On the bottom of the lower hub 1 resides the lower hub bolt 9 which serves as an attachment site for the upper tent assembly 101 and center support assembly 102. On top of the lower hub 1 are the lower hub rod acceptors 10. The lower hub outer rod acceptor 10A, resides atop the flange 7 and provides an attachment point for the outer rod 3A of the interhub rod assembly 3 to the lower hub 1. The lower hub inner rod acceptor 10B, resides in the center of the lower hub 1 and provides an attachment point for the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 to the lower hub 1.

In some embodiments, the upper hub 2 comprises a plurality of upper hub hinges 11 for engaging the top rods 4 at the upper hub hinge acceptor 4B of the top rods 4. On the bottom of the upper hub 2 is the upper hub rod acceptor 12. The upper hub outer rod acceptor 12, resides beneath the upper hub 7 and provides an attachment point for the outer rod 3A and inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 to the upper hub 2.

The top rods 4 and the under rods 5 are connected by the rod connectors 13. Each rod connector 13 comprises a bracket 13A and hinge 13B. The bracket 13A of the rod connector 13 is attached to the top rod 4, and the bracket is 13A is in a fixed position along the length of the rod portion 4A of the top rod 4. The hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 is attached to the bracket 13A of the rod connector 13, and provides an attachment site for engaging the under rods 5 at the top rod acceptor 5B of the under rods 5. The top rod acceptor 5B of the under rods 5 and the hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 are movably connected such that the top rod acceptor 5B is free to move in a single plane with respect to the hinge 13B.

In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 adopts the extended configuration (e.g. open conformation, expanded conformation, etc.) (SEE FIG. 1) when the tent is in use. In the extended configuration of the upper tent assembly 101, the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 is retracted within the outer rod 3A of the interhub rod assembly 3. Moving from the collapsed configuration (SEE FIG. 2) to the extended configuration (SEE FIG. 1) causes an increase in the angle between the interhub rod assembly 3 and both the top rods 4 and the under rods 5. The upper tent assembly 101 locks into the extended/open/expanded configuration by locking the flange clips 8 over the flange 7. The interaction between the flange clips 8 and the flange 7 holds the flange 7 against the lower hub 1 and keeps the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 within the outer rod 3A.

In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 adopts the collapsed or closed configuration (SEE FIG. 2) when the tent is being transported or in storage. In the collapsed configuration of the upper tent assembly 101, the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 is extended beyond the outer rod 3A of the interhub rod assembly 3. Moving from the extended configuration (SEE FIG. 1) to the collapsed configuration (SEE FIG. 2) causes a decrease in the angle between the interhub rod assembly 3 and both the top rods 4 and the under rods 5.

In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 (SEE FIGS. 3 and 4) attaches to the upper tent assembly 101 (SEE FIG. 5), and can aid in supporting the upper tent assembly 101. In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 comprises an outer center support rod 20 and an inner center support rod 21. The inner center support rod 21 and the outer center support rod 20 are slidably attached, allowing the inner center support rod 21 to either fit completely within the outer center support rod 20 or extend beyond the reach of the outer center support rod 20.

In some embodiments, atop the inner center support rod 21 is the center support connector 22. The center support connector comprises a center support hub 23, center support latches 24, and center support nut 25. The center support hub 23 is attached to the inner center support rod 21 at the inner rod acceptor 23B of the center support hub 23. A plurality of latches 24 are connected to the center support hub 23 at a plurality of center support hinges 23A of the center support hub 23. The latch acceptor 24A lies at the proximal end of the center support latch 24 and is movably attached to the center support hinges 23A of the center support hub. The latch clip 24B lies at the distal end of the center support latch 24. Atop the center support hub 23 resides the center support nut 25 of the center support connector 22. The center support nut 25 serves to connect the center support assembly 102 to the upper tent assembly 101. The center support nut 25 of the center support assembly 102 releasably connects to the lower hub bolt 9 of the upper tent assembly 101. The center support gasket 26 of the center support assembly 102 lies at the junction of the outer center support rod 20 and the inner center support rod 21. The center support gasket 26 is in a fixed position atop the outer center support rod 20. The center support gasket 26 allows movement of the inner center support rod 21 with respect to the outer center support rod 20. A plurality of protrusions 27 extend radially from the center support gasket 26. The protrusions 27 are configured for interaction with the latch clips 24B of the center support latches 24 when the center support assembly is in a condensed configuration in which the inner center support rod 21 is fully engulfed by the outer center support rod 20. The interaction between the latch clips 24B of the center support latches 24 and the protrusions 27 of the center support gasket 26 is configured to hold the center support assembly 102 in the condensed configuration. In some embodiments, other suitable interaction may be used to hold the center support assembly 102 in the condensed configuration, including removable pins, a notch on the center support gasket 26 center support hub 23, screws, etc.

In some embodiments, the sliding hub 28, of the center support assembly 102, lies along the outer center support rod 20. The sliding hub 28 is slidably attached to the outer center support rod 20. The sliding rod acceptor 28A runs through the center of the sliding hub 28 and provides slidable interaction between the sliding hub 28 and the outer center support rod 20. The sliding fastener 29 is attached to the sliding hub 28 and provides a mechanism for locking the sliding hub 28 in place along the length of the outer center support rod 20. A plurality of sliding hub hinges 28B extend radially from the sliding hub 28 and provide points of movable interaction between the sliding hub 28 and a plurality of angled support rods 31.

In some embodiments, the angled support rods comprise a rod 31A, sliding hub acceptor 31B, and support rail acceptor 31C. The sliding hub acceptor 31B engages the sliding hub hinge 28B to provide pivotable attachment of the rod 31A of the angled support rod 31 to the sliding hub 28. The support rail acceptor 31C of the angled support rod 31 is movably attached to a base support rail assembly 32.

In some embodiments, the base support rail assembly comprises one or more rails 32A, one or more base hub acceptors 32B, and one or more support rail acceptors 32C. One or more support rail acceptors 32C of a base support rail assembly 32 attach one or more rails 32A to either side of a support rail hinge 31C to movably connect a base support rail assembly 32 to an angled support rod 31. One or more base hub acceptors 32B attach one or more rails 32A of a base support rail assembly 32 to the base hub hinge 30B of the base hub 30. The base hub 30 sits at the bottom of the center support assembly 102.

In some embodiments, the base hub 30 contains a plurality of base hub hinges 30B which extend radially to connect to a plurality of base support rail assemblies 32 through the base hub acceptors 32B of the base support rail assemblies 32. At the center of the base hub 30 is the outer rod acceptor 30A which provides fixed attachment of the outer center support rod 20 to the base hub 30.

In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 adopts the collapsed or closed configuration (SEE FIG. 4) when the tent is being transported or in storage, or when the center support assembly 102 is not in use. In the collapsed configuration of the center support assembly 102, the inner center support rod 21 is entirely within the outer center support rod 20. The inner center support rod 21 is held in the collapsed configuration by the interaction of the latch clips 24B of the center support latches 24 with the protrusions 27 of the center support gasket 26. In the collapsed configuration of the center support assembly 102, the sliding hub 28 slides to the distal end of the outer center support rod 20 toward the base hub 30. Movement of the sliding hub 28 toward the base hub 30 causes the angle between the angled support rods 31 and the outer center support rod 20 to decrease. The sliding fastener 29 locks the sliding hub 28 to the outer center support rod 20 in the collapsed configuration (SEE FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 adopts the extended or open configuration (SEE FIG. 3) when the center support assembly 102 is in use supporting the upper tent assembly 101. In the extended configuration of the center support assembly 102, the inner center support rod 21 is extended beyond the outer center support rod 20. In the extended configuration, the latch clips 24B of the center support latches 24 are unengaged with the protrusions 27 of the center support gasket 26. In the extended configuration of the center support assembly 102, the sliding hub 28 slides along the outer center support rod 20 toward the center support gasket 26. Movement of the sliding hub 28 toward the center support gasket 26 causes the angle between the angled support rods 31 and the outer center support rod 20 to increase. In the extended configuration of the center support assembly 102, the base support rail assemblies 32 are perpendicular to the outer center support rod 20. The sliding fastener 29 locks the sliding hub 28 to the outer center support rod 20 in the extended configuration (SEE FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, the assembly of the present invention comprises two central hubs, the upper hub 2 and the lower hub 1, from which extend a plurality of rods, top rods 4 and under rods 5. In some embodiments, the top rods 4 extend radially from the upper hub 2. In some embodiments, the under rods 4 extend radially from the lower hub 2. In some embodiments, the assembly has an equal number of top rods 4 and under rods 5. In some embodiments, each top rod 4 is paired with and connected to an under rod 5. In some embodiments, each under rod 5 is paired with and connected to a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of top rods 4 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) extending from a single upper hub 2. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of under rods 5 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) extending from a single lower hub 1. In some embodiments the top rods 4 can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧1 foot (e.g. ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10, ≧11 feet, ≧12 feet, ≧13 feet, ≧14 feet, ≧15 feet, ≧16 feet, ≧17 feet, ≧18 feet, ≧19 feet, ≧20 feet) and/or ≦50 feet (e.g. ≦40 feet, ≦30 feet, ≦20 feet, ≦10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments the under rods 5 can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧1 foot (e.g. ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10, ≧11 feet, ≧12 feet, ≧13 feet, ≧14 feet, ≧15 feet, ≧16 feet, ≧17 feet, ≧18 feet, ≧19 feet, ≧20 feet) and/or ≦50 feet (e.g. ≦40 feet, ≦30 feet, ≦20 feet, ≦10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments, the top rods 4 can be of any suitable diameter (e.g. ≧0.1 inches (e.g. ≧0.25 inches, ≧0.5 inches, ≧0.75 inches, ≧1 inch, ≧2 inches, ≧3 inches, ≧4 inches, ≧5 inches, ≧6 inches) and/or ≦2 feet (e.g. ≦1 foot, ≦9 inches, ≦6 inches, ≦3 inches), etc.). In some embodiments, the under rods can be of any suitable diameter (e.g. ≧0.1 inches (e.g. ≧0.25 inches, ≧0.5 inches, ≧0.75 inches, ≧1 inch, ≧2 inches, ≧3 inches, ≧4 inches, ≧5 inches, ≧6 inches) and/or ≦2 feet (e.g. ≦1 foot, ≦9 inches, ≦6 inches, ≦3 inches), etc.). In some embodiments, top rods 4 and under rods 5 are equally spaced around the hub from which they extend. In some embodiments, each top rod 4 is aligned parallel in one plane to an under rod 5. In some embodiments, each under rod 5 is aligned parallel in one plane to a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the end of each under rod 5 is connected to a position along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the end of each under rod 5 is pivotally connected to a position along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the end of each under rod 5 is connected to a fixed position along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, a rod connector 13 pivotally connects an under rod 5 to a fixed position along a top rod 4. In some embodiments, a rod connector 13 comprises a bracket 13A which provides attachment of the rod connector 13 to the top rod 4, and a 13B hinge 13B which provides attachment of the rod connector to the under rod 5. In some embodiments, the bracket 13A of the rod connector 13 is attached to a single fixed position along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the bracket 13A of the rod connector 13 is immobile with respect to a top rod 4. In some embodiments the hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 is configured to allow the under rod 5 to pivot in a single plane with respect to the rod connector 13 and the top rod 4. In some embodiments, the hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 in pivotally attached to the top rod acceptor 5B of the under rod 5. In some embodiments, the top rod 4 is attached to the upper hub via upper hub hinge 11 of the upper hub 2 and the upper hub hinge acceptor 4B of the top rod 4. In some embodiments, the upper hub hinge acceptor 4B of the top rod 4 is free to pivot in a single plane with respect to upper hub hinge 11 of the upper hub 2. In some embodiments, the under rod 5 is attached to the lower hub 1 via lower hub hinge 6 of the lower hub 1 and the lower hub hinge acceptor 4C of the under rod 5. In some embodiments, the lower hub hinge acceptor 5C of the under rod 5 is free to pivot in a single plane with respect to lower hub hinge 6 of the lower hub 1.

In some embodiments, the interhub rod assembly 3 comprises an inner rod 3B which is configured to fit within an outer rod 3A. In some embodiments, an inner rod 3B is configured to slide between a position in which the inner rod 3B is completely within the outer rod 3A and a position in which the inner rod 3B extends outward from the outer rod 3A. In some embodiments the outer rod 3A can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧3 inches, ≧6 inches, ≧9 inches, ≧1 foot, ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10 feet). In some embodiments the inner rod 3B can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧3 inches, ≧6 inches, ≧9 inches, ≧1 foot, ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10 feet). In some embodiments, the inner rod 3B and outer rod 3A are of the same length. In some embodiments, the inner rod 3B and outer rod 3A are of different lengths. In some embodiments a gasket at the end of the outer rob 3A aids in smooth extension of the inner rod 3B out of the outer rod 3A. In some embodiments, the outer rod 3A houses an element (e.g. spring, piston, hydraulics, etc.) to apply pressure to the inner rod 3B pushing the inner rod 3B into the contracted or extend position. In some embodiments, the assembly contains a flange 7 attached to the bottom of the outer rod 3A. In some embodiments, one or more flange clips 8 are attached atop the lower hub 1. In some embodiments, the flange clips 8 atop the lower hub 1 are configured to engage the flange 7 beneath the outer rod 3A in order to fix the outer rod 3A in the condensed position around the inner rod 3B. In some embodiments, releasing the flange clips 8 from the flange 7 allows the inner rod 3B to extend from within the outer rod 3A.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides and assembly configured to support a structure in an open conformation. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an assembly configured to allow a structure to adopt a collapsed configuration. In some embodiment, the assembly is configured two convert from an open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional, etc.) to a closed configuration (e.g. collapsed, condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.). In some embodiment, the assembly is configured to convert from a closed configuration (e.g. collapsed, condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.) to an open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional, etc.). In some embodiments, the assembly is configured to lock in the open and/or closed conformations. In some embodiments, the assembly does not lock into an open and/or closed conformation, but adopts and remains in one or both conformations passively without external force or locking. In some embodiments, the assembly of the present invention is structurally and/or functionally attached to additional structural support assemblies. In some embodiments, converting the assembly from opened to closed induces conformational changes in additional structural support assemblies. In some conformational changes in additional structural support assemblies induce conversion of the present invention from the opened to closed conformation.

In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional) the inner rod 3B is contained within the outer rod 3A and the flange clips 8 are closed over the flange 7. In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation, the angle between the top rods 4 and the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches perpendicular (e.g. ≧45°, ≧60°, ≧70°, ≧80°, ≧85°, ≧89°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation the angle between the under rods 5 and the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches perpendicular (e.g. ≧45°, ≧60°, ≧70°, ≧80°, ≧85°, ≧89°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the closed conformation, the angle between the top rods 4 and the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches parallel (e.g. ≦45°, ≦30°, ≦20°, ≦10°, ≦5°, ≦1°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the closed conformation the angle between the under rods 5 and the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches parallel (e.g. ≦45°, ≦30°, ≦20°, ≦10°, ≦5°, ≦1°, etc). In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the top rods 4 and inter hub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the under rods 5 and inter hub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in an increase in the angle between the under rods 5 and top rods 4. In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in an increase in the angle between the top rods 4 and interhub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in an increase in the angle between the under rods 5 and inter hub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the under rods 5 and top rods 4.

In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 of the present invention is attached to additional tent or tent support structures. In some embodiments, additional tent support structures may include legs, rods, rails, collapsible elements, support lines, covers, etc. In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 is connected to or attached to additional tent structures via the top rods 4. In some embodiments, material spread above the upper tent assembly 101 provides a tent, gazebo, shelter, or cover. In some embodiments, material covering the upper tent assembly 101 can be made of any suitable material (e.g. fabric, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, leather, nylon, plastics, etc.).

In some embodiments, material covering the upper tent assembly may also extend onto additional tent structures or tent support structures. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 of the present invention may comprise any suitable materials (e.g. metal (e.g. aluminum, steel, alloys, titanium, etc.), polymers, plastics, wood, etc. In some embodiments, a tent assembly 100 of the present invention may comprise one or more center support assemblies 102 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ≧10, etc.). In some embodiments, a tent assembly 100 of the present invention may comprise one or more upper tent assemblies 101 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ≧10, etc.).

In some embodiments, connections and or attachments between hubs (e.g. lower hub 1, upper hub 2, etc.), rods (e.g. top rods 4, under rods 5, etc.), assemblies, hinges, connectors, acceptors, and/or other elements of the present invention may be made in any suitable manner. The mechanisms of connecting and attaching elements of the present invention are intended to be exemplary and should not be taken as limiting. 

1. An assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein said interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length; a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to said upper hub and extending radially from said upper hub; and a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to said lower hub and extending radially from said lower hub, wherein one end of each of said under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of said top rods at a fixed position along the length of said top rods.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly is connected to additional support elements through said top rods.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support rod extending vertically from the bottom of said lower hub.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is configured to extend in height.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said support rod is configured to extend from the ground to said lower hub.
 8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub.
 9. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability.
 10. A structural support assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein said interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length; a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to said upper hub and extending radially from said upper hub, wherein said top rods are connected to additional support structures; a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to said lower hub and extending radially from said lower hub, wherein one end of each of said under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of said top rods at a fixed position along the length of said top rods; and a support rod attached to the bottom of said lower hub, wherein said support rod is configured to be extendable from said lower hub to the ground.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said structural support assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo.
 13. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub.
 14. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability. 